Global carbon dioxide levels reached 420 parts per million in 2024. Sea levels are rising at an accelerating rate, and insured losses from natural disasters exceeded $100 billion in a single year. This data quantifies the scale of ongoing change.
Key Takeaways
- 2011–2020 was about 1.09°C warmer than 1850–1900, according to the IPCC assessment of observed temperature
- In 2023, the global temperature anomaly was around +1.4°C above the pre-industrial baseline (C3.4.1/ERA5), reflecting continued above-baseline warming
- 2.47 inches (63 mm) per decade sea level rise in the global mean over 1993–2018, measured from satellite altimetry, reflects accelerating ocean expansion and ice melt
- The Greenland Ice Sheet’s surface mass balance was increasingly negative during the most recent decades (notably since the 1990s), indicating ongoing mass loss
- Arctic sea ice extent was 12.8% per decade lower in September relative to 1981–2010 over the period 1979–2019, reflecting substantial loss of summer ice
- In 2021, insured losses from natural catastrophes were $105 billion, according to Swiss Re Institute’s catastrophe statistics
- Heatwaves were among the costliest extreme weather events in recent years, with global heatwave mortality estimates rising under warming scenarios (quantitative risk evidenced in IPCC assessments)
- Weather-related disasters caused an estimated $210 billion in economic losses in 2020, underscoring the growing damage burden
- Transport accounted for 21% of global GHG emissions in 2019, making it a major sector for mitigation action (IPCC AR6 WG3)
- Electricity and heat generation accounted for 25% of global GHG emissions in 2019, per IPCC AR6 sector shares
- Industry accounted for 24% of global GHG emissions in 2019, highlighting the importance of industrial decarbonization for mitigation pathways
- Hydropower generated 15.2% of global electricity in 2023, remaining a large renewable source globally
- In 2023, global renewables growth is still not fast enough to fully offset rising demand; fossil fuels continued to provide the majority of energy supply per IEA tracking
- In 2022, global primary energy demand from fossil fuels was still the majority, with oil, coal, and gas comprising 82% of primary energy supply (IEA data synthesis)
- Global investment in energy transition totaled $2.0 trillion in 2023 (up from 1.8 trillion in 2022), reflecting capital flows toward decarbonization
Recent decades have warmed about 1.3°C since 1850 to 1900, driving sea level rise, melting ice, and costlier disasters.
Related reading
01 · Category
Global Temperature2 stats
01
2011–2020 was about 1.09°C warmer than 1850–1900, according to the IPCC assessment of observed temperature
02
In 2023, the global temperature anomaly was around +1.4°C above the pre-industrial baseline (C3.4.1/ERA5), reflecting continued above-baseline warming
Interpretation
Global Temperature Interpretation
Under the global temperature category, the world has warmed to about 1.09°C above 1850–1900 during 2011–2020 and reached roughly +1.4°C above the pre industrial baseline in 2023, showing a persistent rise in observed temperatures.
02 · Category
Sea Level & Ice5 stats
01
2.47 inches (63 mm) per decade sea level rise in the global mean over 1993–2018, measured from satellite altimetry, reflects accelerating ocean expansion and ice melt
02
The Greenland Ice Sheet’s surface mass balance was increasingly negative during the most recent decades (notably since the 1990s), indicating ongoing mass loss
03
Arctic sea ice extent was 12.8% per decade lower in September relative to 1981–2010 over the period 1979–2019, reflecting substantial loss of summer ice
04
Global ocean heat content continued to increase through the 21st century, with heat uptake assessed as a dominant driver of sea level rise and climate change impacts
05
By 2100, depending on the emissions scenario, sea level rise is assessed to range from about 0.28 m to 1.01 m (relative to 2000–2100) across AR6 pathways, indicating wide scenario uncertainty
Interpretation
Sea Level & Ice Interpretation
For the Sea Level and Ice category, satellite measurements show global mean sea level rising at about 2.47 inches or 63 mm per decade since 1993 to 2018, while Arctic September sea ice extent declined 12.8% per decade from 1979 to 2019, alongside increasingly negative Greenland ice mass balance, indicating a clear, accelerating melt and sea level trend.
03 · Category
Extreme Events4 stats
01
In 2021, insured losses from natural catastrophes were $105 billion, according to Swiss Re Institute’s catastrophe statistics
02
Heatwaves were among the costliest extreme weather events in recent years, with global heatwave mortality estimates rising under warming scenarios (quantitative risk evidenced in IPCC assessments)
03
Weather-related disasters caused an estimated $210 billion in economic losses in 2020, underscoring the growing damage burden
04
In 2019, drought affected 149 million people globally (EM-DAT/WHO-linked disaster accounting), highlighting large-scale human exposure to water stress intensified by climate change
Interpretation
Extreme Events Interpretation
In the Extreme Events category, the data show a clear escalation in climate-linked harm with insured natural catastrophe losses reaching $105 billion in 2021, weather disasters totaling $210 billion in 2020, and drought impacting 149 million people in 2019.
04 · Category
Emissions & Mitigation3 stats
01
Transport accounted for 21% of global GHG emissions in 2019, making it a major sector for mitigation action (IPCC AR6 WG3)
02
Electricity and heat generation accounted for 25% of global GHG emissions in 2019, per IPCC AR6 sector shares
03
Industry accounted for 24% of global GHG emissions in 2019, highlighting the importance of industrial decarbonization for mitigation pathways
Interpretation
Emissions & Mitigation Interpretation
For Emissions and Mitigation, cutting emissions where they concentrate is crucial since transport contributed 21% of global GHG emissions in 2019 while electricity and heat generation added 25% and industry made up 24%, meaning the largest mitigation gains lie in these three sectors.
05 · Category
Renewables & Energy1 stats
01
Hydropower generated 15.2% of global electricity in 2023, remaining a large renewable source globally
Interpretation
Renewables & Energy Interpretation
Hydropower still powered 15.2% of global electricity in 2023, underscoring that renewables remain a major part of the energy mix even as the world continues expanding cleaner power.
06 · Category
Fossil Fuel Dependence2 stats
01
In 2023, global renewables growth is still not fast enough to fully offset rising demand; fossil fuels continued to provide the majority of energy supply per IEA tracking
02
In 2022, global primary energy demand from fossil fuels was still the majority, with oil, coal, and gas comprising 82% of primary energy supply (IEA data synthesis)
Interpretation
Fossil Fuel Dependence Interpretation
Even in 2022, fossil fuels still dominated primary energy with oil, coal, and gas accounting for 82%, and by 2023 renewables growth had not yet accelerated enough to offset rising demand, underscoring how persistent fossil fuel dependence remains.
07 · Category
Finance & Policy4 stats
01
Global investment in energy transition totaled $2.0 trillion in 2023 (up from 1.8 trillion in 2022), reflecting capital flows toward decarbonization
02
The OECD estimates climate finance commitments from developed countries were $89.6 billion in 2022 under the Joint Mobilisation goal accounting framework (as summarized in OECD materials)
03
As of 2024, 196 Parties have ratified the Paris Agreement, with 193 UNFCCC Parties having ratified it since adoption (near-universal participation)
04
Net-zero emissions targets covering about 93 countries were in place as of 2024, representing a large share of global GDP (Climate Action Tracker synthesis)
Interpretation
Finance & Policy Interpretation
Finance and policy momentum is clearly accelerating as global investment in the energy transition rose to $2.0 trillion in 2023, while developed countries’ climate finance commitments reached $89.6 billion in 2022 under the Joint Mobilisation goal and net zero targets now cover about 93 countries by 2024.
08 · Category
Mitigation Gap3 stats
01
The Emissions Gap Report 2023 finds that updated NDCs still imply that emissions are not consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C, with a remaining gap of 15–18 GtCO₂e for 2030 (depending on methodology)
02
To keep the 1.5°C pathway within reach, global greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced by about 43% by 2030 relative to 2019 levels (IPCC AR6 mitigation framing)
03
According to the IEA, global clean energy investment needs to triple by 2030 to reach net zero by 2050; current levels are insufficient for the pace required
Interpretation
Mitigation Gap Interpretation
The mitigation gap remains wide because even updated NDCs still fall short of the 1.5°C goal, with global greenhouse gas emissions needing a 43% cut by 2030 versus 2019 and clean energy investment tripling by 2030 just to put net zero by 2050 within reach.
More related reading
09 · Category
Greenhouse Gases3 stats
01
Atmospheric CO₂ increased by 2.3 ppm in 2023 (global annual growth rate), reflecting continued rise in greenhouse forcing (NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory)
02
NOAA reported the average global methane (CH₄) concentration for 2023 as 1,917 ppb, reflecting continued elevated methane levels
03
NOAA reported the average global nitrous oxide (N₂O) concentration for 2023 as 336.9 ppb, continuing long-term increases in this greenhouse gas
Interpretation
Greenhouse Gases Interpretation
In the greenhouse gases category, NOAA data shows that 2023 continued to push the planet toward stronger forcing, with atmospheric CO₂ rising by 2.3 ppm, methane averaging 1,917 ppb, and nitrous oxide reaching 336.9 ppb.
10 · Category
Temperature Trends3 stats
01
1.3°C is the current observed global warming level relative to 1850–1900, as summarized in the IPCC AR6 Synthesis Report (2023).
02
50% of the cumulative carbon emissions delivered to the atmosphere since 1850 came from the 20th century, according to the Global Carbon Budget analysis (Global Carbon Project, 2023).
03
3.0°C of warming relative to preindustrial conditions is projected by mid-century under a high-emissions pathway (SSP5-8.5), according to the IPCC AR6 Working Group I assessment projections.
Interpretation
Temperature Trends Interpretation
Under the Temperature Trends category, the planet is already about 1.3°C warmer than 1850 to 1900 and could reach roughly 3.0°C by mid-century under a high emissions pathway, showing how today’s warming trajectory is tightly linked to how much heat and greenhouse gases build up in the atmosphere.
11 · Category
Sea Level & Oceans1 stats
01
2.3 mm/year is the globally averaged sea level rise rate estimated over the period 2005–2015, per a 2019 peer-reviewed study in Journal of Climate.
Interpretation
Sea Level & Oceans Interpretation
From the Sea Level and Oceans perspective, a 2019 peer-reviewed study estimates globally averaged sea level rise at 2.3 mm per year over 2005 to 2015, showing that the ocean is steadily climbing over time.
12 · Category
Cryosphere & Extremes1 stats
01
7.6% (±1.0%) is the estimated change in Arctic sea ice area over September 1979–2019 in a peer-reviewed assessment that used satellite observations.
Interpretation
Cryosphere & Extremes Interpretation
For the Cryosphere and Extremes category, Arctic sea ice area has declined by about 7.6% (±1.0%) from September 1979 to 2019, underscoring a clear and measurable intensification of cold-climate extremes tied to the shrinking cryosphere.
13 · Category
Climate Risk & Impacts3 stats
01
3.3 billion people live in regions considered highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, according to the UNDP Human Development Report 2021/2022 risk analysis.
02
1.7 billion people are estimated to be living in river basins experiencing high water stress due to climate change and other pressures, per a 2019 peer-reviewed global assessment (Water Resources Research).
03
USD 3.6 billion is the estimated cost of climate-related disasters in 2023 in the U.S. alone for weather/climate disasters with costs exceeding USD 1 billion each, per NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters.
Interpretation
Climate Risk & Impacts Interpretation
Under the Climate Risk & Impacts lens, climate change is already affecting billions, with 3.3 billion people living in highly vulnerable regions and 1.7 billion in water stressed river basins, while U.S. climate related disasters cost an estimated USD 3.6 billion in 2023.
14 · Category
Mitigation & Adaptation5 stats
01
USD 98 billion was the global public climate finance provided in 2022, according to the OECD Climate Finance Provided and Mobilised by Developed Countries (2024 release for 2022 data).
02
USD 1.3 trillion in annual investment is estimated as needed for climate adaptation globally by 2030, according to the UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2023 (adaptation investment needs summary).
03
USD 1.5 trillion is the estimated average annual clean energy investment gap required to meet the Paris Agreement temperature goals, per the IEA World Energy Investment report for 2023 (gap framing).
04
USD 345 billion was invested globally in renewable energy in 2023, according to BloombergNEF’s renewable energy investment tracking for 2023 (NEF 2024 annual outlook).
05
6.7% of global electricity generation came from solar PV in 2023, according to Ember’s Global Electricity Review 2024.
Interpretation
Mitigation & Adaptation Interpretation
In mitigation and adaptation, the scale gap is stark as only USD 98 billion of global public climate finance was provided in 2022 while an estimated USD 1.3 trillion per year is needed for climate adaptation by 2030 and about USD 1.5 trillion per year is required in clean energy investment, even as renewable investment reached USD 345 billion in 2023 and solar PV supplied 6.7% of electricity.
15 · Category
Atmospheric Composition1 stats
01
420 ppm is the globally averaged atmospheric CO₂ concentration measured at Mauna Loa Observatory in 2024’s annual mean reporting by NOAA’s Global Monitoring Laboratory.
Interpretation
Atmospheric Composition Interpretation
In the Atmospheric Composition category, the NOAA report shows that global CO₂ levels reached an annual mean of about 420 ppm at Mauna Loa in 2024, underscoring a clear ongoing buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
report visual · Key figures
Rising climate signals, from warming to sea level
Multiple observed indicators—global temperature, greenhouse-gas forcing, sea-level rise, and cryosphere loss—show an ongoing upward trend consistent with continued climate change.
2011
2011–2020 was about 1.09°C warmer than 1850–1900, according to the IPCC assessment of observed temperature
2023
In 2023, the global temperature anomaly was around +1.4°C above the pre-industrial baseline (C3.4.1/ERA5), reflecting co
2.47
2.47 inches (63 mm) per decade sea level rise in the global mean over 1993–2018, measured from satellite altimetry, refl
2.3
Atmospheric CO₂ increased by 2.3 ppm in 2023 (global annual growth rate), reflecting continued rise in greenhouse forcin
12.8%
Arctic sea ice extent was 12.8% per decade lower in September relative to 1981–2010 over the period 1979–2019, reflectin
2100
By 2100, depending on the emissions scenario, sea level rise is assessed to range from about 0.28 m to 1.01 m (relative
source-verifiedipcc.ch · climate.copernicus.eu · noaa.gov · gml.noaa.gov · climate.nasa.gov2100
Reference
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APA
Marie Larsen. (2026, February 13). Climate Change Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/climate-change-statistics
MLA
Marie Larsen. "Climate Change Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/climate-change-statistics.
Chicago
Marie Larsen. 2026. "Climate Change Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/climate-change-statistics.
Sources & references
41 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level
+22 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)